READING: Job 23-30
The Christian journey is often a challenge . . . a struggle . . . a stretch. Job certainly knew that truth, his having lost everything except his wife who questioned why he did not just curse God and die. In today’s reading, though, his words describe that challenge in a way that causes me to pause, pray, and prepare for whatever tests may await me in my own journey.
On one hand, Job deeply wanted to find God in his pain—but he felt no access to Him to plead his case. No matter where Job looked (metaphorically, east, west, north, and south), he could not find God. His anguish was real. At the same time, though, Job was certain God knew where he was. God was testing him rather than punishing him, and Job would “emerge as pure gold” (Job 23:10). We may not always understand God’s refining fire, but we can trust His purpose and plan. Faith can win over frustration.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Is God testing you in any way today?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, I cry out to You in my pain. Teach me to trust You even when it seems I cannot find You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Job 31-36
